The Electrochemical Society (ECS) conferred a prestigious research prize in October in Sweden, recognizing groundbreaking contributions to electrodeposition science and its industrial applications. Rohan Akolkar, an electrochemical engineer from Case Western Reserve University, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2023 award. Akolkar's innovative research spans areas such as nano-material fabrication, energy storage, electrometallurgy, and sensors.

The ECS, a globally renowned organization for electrochemists and electrochemical engineers boasting over 10,000 members across more than 100 countries, they presented the award, along with a monetary prize, at the 244th ECS Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden. Akolkar, the Milton and Tamar Maltz Professor of Energy Innovation at Case School of Engineering, will deliver an award address during the event.

The accolade, officially named the Electrodeposition Division Research Award, placed Akolkar among distinguished researchers worldwide in the field of electrodeposition—a critical electrochemical process used in various industrial applications, including semiconductors, energy storage, and metal refining.

As the director of the Electrochemical Materials Fabrication Laboratory and a professor of chemical engineering, Akolkar's impactful contributions to the field have earned him this well-deserved recognition. The award, established in 1979, aims to acknowledge outstanding research in electrodeposition and promote high-quality publications in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society.

Akolkar's specific achievements leading to this award include his significant role in developing novel electrodeposition processes and materials. His work has been instrumental in advancing the fundamental science and industrial application of electrodeposition. The Charles H. Phipps Dean of Case School of Engineering, Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan, commended Akolkar, stating that the award is a testament to his leadership in electrochemistry and the positive impact of his research on global challenges.

Expressing gratitude, Akolkar acknowledged the honor and credited his journey in electrochemical engineering, highlighting the support of colleagues, collaborators, mentors, sponsors, students, and friends who have contributed to the success of his research endeavors.